Oceania Cruises is signalling confidence in regional stability with the inclusion of a Red Sea passage in its 2027 Around the World voyage, as part of a 20-day segment linking Doha and Athens aboard Oceania Vista. 

The itinerary, titled Arabian & Aegean Gems, marks the line’s return to Saudi Arabian and Egyptian ports after recent security concerns prompted many cruise operators to avoid the Suez Canal route.

Sailing on May 13th, 2027, the Doha–Athens leg forms one of 17 curated segments that together comprise Oceania’s 244-day global journey. 

The segment will take guests from the Arabian Gulf through the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea, calling at destinations including Dubai, Salalah, Jeddah, Aqaba, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor (Safaga), before crossing into the Mediterranean to visit Ain Sokhna, Limassol, Rhodes, and Ephesus.

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Egypt is significant for the region’s emerging cruise infrastructure, particularly following years of heightened maritime tensions that saw many cruise lines reroute itineraries around Africa. 

For Doha, the Oceania Vista’s departure reinforces its growing profile as a turnaround port for premium and luxury lines, positioning Qatar alongside Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the expanding Arabian Gulf cruise market.

Oceania’s choice to feature this route reflects the line’s emphasis on culturally rich, multi-country itineraries that blend ancient heritage with modern discovery. 

“While our Around the World cruise is an incredible way to explore the world in style, we understand that not all guests have the time to enjoy a 244-day sailing,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. 

“To make the wonders of the world more accessible while catering to our guests’ varying lifestyles, Oceania Cruises is thrilled to offer this epic Around the World journey, also available as a series of segmented itineraries, each offering the same unparalleled luxury, personalised service and immersive destination experiences at sea,” he added.

Oceania Vista, which entered service in 2023, will serve as the vessel for the entire world voyage. Designed for 1,200 guests, the ship offers all-veranda accommodation and a staff-to-guest ratio of two to three. 

Dining options include Toscana, Red Ginger, Jacques and Polo Grill, complemented by immersive experiences such as hands-on cooking classes at The Culinary Center and wellness programmes at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center.

Segments of Oceania’s 2027 Around the World Cruise

1. Treasures of Two Oceans
15 days – Miami to Los Angeles
George Town, Cartagena, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, San Diego

2. Idyllic Pacific Wonders
18 days – Los Angeles to Papeete
Hawaii and French Polynesia

3. Koalas to Komodos
15 days – Sydney to Bali
Cairns, Darwin, Whitsunday Island, Komodo, Lombok

4. Koi Ponds to Kimonos
13 days – Hong Kong to Tokyo
Shanghai, Seoul, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Shimizu

5. Archipelagos of the East
15 days – Tokyo to Singapore
Taipei, Manila, Brunei, Singapore

6. Arabian & Aegean Gems
20 days – Doha to Athens
Dubai, Salalah, Jeddah, Aqaba, Luxor (Safaga), Sharm El Sheikh, Ain Sokhna, Limassol, Rhodes, Ephesus

7. Caesars & Conquistadors
9 days – Rome to Lisbon
Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Seville, Gibraltar

8. Charms of Northern Europe
11 days – Paris to Copenhagen
London, Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen

9. Untamed North Atlantic
17 days – Reykjavik to New York
Greenland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Boston

(Eight additional connecting segments complete the full 244-day voyage across six continents and 53 countries.)